Database Info

Themeing and CWM FLashable File

Hey guys/girls. I'm creating a theme for Andromeda 3 and one thing I cannot fifure out is how to make my theme CWM flashable to test it.
I opened the zip from a different flashable theme, replaced the framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk with the modified ones from Andromeda and repackaged them using Winrar. I have followed the guides to resign the APK's and ZIP but no mater what I do, after a reboot I get a solid black screen and the phone vibrates.
Im not sure what I am doing wrong because I thought that was all that went into creating a CWM file.
Thanks in advance......

7 posts under this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037842
the meta info is alot more specific than just swap any other files...

Thanks, I found that one about 5 mins ago but couldn't seem to find it when I searched the forum before posting. Must have missed it

Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.

modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm just opening the apk's with winrar. I make the changes to the folders/files and rezip them with Winrar with Store mode (no compression?) Then I resign them with testsign.jar.
I have read the themeing guides but they are really lacking in the small details dept.

modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.

ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?

ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.

modest_mandroid said:
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.

timbrendelaz said:
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to sign CWM zips because Clockwork doesn't check for a signature.
You could use another updater-script, but the problem with that is if it tries to perform an action on a file or folder that isn't inside your zip it will crash while flashing. You'll be left with a bricked phone and have to ODIN back to restore.

ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App

TXLunchbox said:
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're editing code, I recommend using apk manager since it will automatically recompile the resources.asrc for you. Just make sure to downgrade the apktool that comes with it to 1.3.1, 1.3.2 is known to cause problems with xml edits.
1. Set new project apk.
2. Decompile apk, if it's a system apk use the option for dependency apk and use twframework-res.apk as the dependency apk.
3. Edit your xml files.
4. Recompile, when asked use yes twice. It will tell you to delete files in the Keep folder.
5. Delete the resources.asrc if you edited any xml/added new files. Delete the files that you added/edited.
6. Once you're done it will automatically copy over the signature and use the compression that you set (default level 9, I recommend level 0).
Don't worry that it says "unsignedFramework-res.apk", it will work since it's a system apk because system apk signatures get copied over to the new file. Just rename it to Framework-res.apk or whatever you need it to be called.

ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence the 'if' in my original statement, you know, 'if' he ever chose to in the future.

[Q] Editing more than just images in Phone / contacts apks

Howdy all,
I am wanting to kno if there is anything special about editing certain system apps, do they all need to be signed with the same keys. i think i read this somewhere.
cause when i decompile the phone.apk then recompile with no changes / or with changes, signed it with autosigner or APK-Manager, it just FC's on the phone and i cant make sence of the logs...
oh and i tried pushing the file with adb and x10 mod tool, tried in the emulator, still no joys.
been googling for hours... and i feel i am searching for the wrong things...
Thanks in advance
Pvy.

you can use 7zip to browse the apk as an archive and replace png's and .9.png's inside the drawable folders.
you wouldn't have to resign the apk this way, but i would recommend zip-aligning the apk after you replace the png's.
i would also make sure you know how to work with .9.png's before replacing them. not doing .9.png's correctly will break the app.

I have edited the pngs there is no prob there I can put all the images in.
I am editing the xmls and the manifest... I tried drag and drop but it seems to break the apk...
Thanks tho.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.

So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Pushed it to my phone, rebooted...
But it wont install.
It appears the signing breaks.
Pvy
AyDee said:
Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Changing default image
I wondered if anyone could help me out with this
Many thanks

pvyParts said:
So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion is after doing this add the now modded original .apk into a flashable.zip and use xRecovery/FreeXperiaRecovery to install the app.
If you don't know how to make a flashable.zip just use 7zip to replace the phone.apk in a theme update.zip and delete any other folders/.apks that you don't want being reinstalled (framework-res etc.).
Not sure if this will work because I haven't tried this after modding .xml files, but it works after I make any other changes, even changing .9.pngs.
Best of luck, hope this works.

nope that didn't work either... took me a while but once i figured out the update.zip i got it going. and still no joy.
thanks heaps guys for all your help, i think i must have to compile from source or something silly like that...
I'll keep at it and let you all kno how i go...

[Q] APKTool Question for Infuse

I am trying to modify gtg465x's version of TouchWiz30Launcher.apk. All I am doing is modifying launcher:iconColumnCount to 5 in both layout-land\launcher.xml and layout-port\launcher.xml.
It builds fine. I am using both framework-res and twframework-res in APKTool.
When I copy onto my phone it doesn't launch at all.
If I am in way over my head, don't be shy just tell me. Otherwise any guidance would be appreciated.

camoto said:
I am trying to modify gtg465x's version of TouchWiz30Launcher.apk. All I am doing is modifying launcher:iconColumnCount to 5 in both layout-land\launcher.xml and layout-port\launcher.xml.
It builds fine. I am using both framework-res and twframework-res in APKTool.
When I copy onto my phone it doesn't launch at all.
If I am in way over my head, don't be shy just tell me. Otherwise any guidance would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You compiling as system apk?

gtg465x said:
You compiling as system apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that an option? I don't completely understand your question.

camoto said:
Is that an option? I don't completely understand your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry, thought you were using APK Manager. Anyways, use APK Manager. It's sort of a front end for APKTool and will be easier.

camoto said:
Is that an option? I don't completely understand your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't sign system apks...i think thats what he's trying to get at. Try using apk manager 4.9. it is a dos-based gui that makes apktool do your bidding...including warning you that system apks do not need to be signed.
EDIT: Lol. jinx

Can you make app drawer to continuously scroll instead of paging, but I think it is better scrolling continuously sideways instead of scroll up and down. Because sideways scroll. You see more app right? Or may be a bad idea? I hope they can make an app like the Go SMS PRO where you can switch the paging of app to wave, roll, cube etc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App

thanks for the tips!
OK compiled as system, did NOT sign and still it won't launch... /headscratch

camoto said:
thanks for the tips!
OK compiled as system, did NOT sign and still it won't launch... /headscratch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this:
* open the original .apk with WinZip or whatever zip opener you like
* drop the changed files into the zip without unziping.
* push to the phone and try it.

i did try to edit the resources.. it won't work also (with apktool). I did try just d and then b. same problem. not showing on launcher

May need to remove data and odex, repush to system/app, and logcat the startup and information that it provides with attempted system installation. If you want more eyes, feel free to push me a PM with a link to your apk and when I receive my infuse later this week, I'll take a crack at it.

[Q] How to create sense 3.0 themes?

Hey Guys I just want to be able to create my own themes for sense ui, can anyone help me out..... I think i need to change the rosie apk and do I need m10 tools?

there's a couple of files to edit. someone in the themes & apps section did a rough outline of what to do, you may want to search through there.

I think you need to edit images from framework.apk

Hi
You will need to edit the images in the framework-res.apk, systemui.apk and com.htc.resources.apk
For some of the apks like Rosie and the lockscreen you will need the m10tools. For the others you do not.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

What program do I use? apk manager? I am not sure how to use it...

darryll4sh0 said:
What program do I use? apk manager? I am not sure how to use it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use APK manager. If you are editing only the images then a better idea would be to open the APK with winrar and drop the images in the respective folders. Do not extract the APK. If you want to edit the XML files then you will need to decompile it using APK manager.
APK manager is simple to use. Start the program and place the APK file in the place-apk-here-for-modding folder. In the program select option 22 and choose your APK.
Then select option 9 and decompile the APK. Once it has decompiled, you can go into the projects folder and edit whatever you want. After you have finished editing, select the compile option in the program and then zipalign the APK.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?

darryll4sh0 said:
If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also how can i actually see the xml files (like pictures)

darryll4sh0 said:
If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will have to zipalign it. You will have to flash it. Installing it will not work.
darryll4sh0 said:
Also how can i actually see the xml files (like pictures)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XML files store data and text, they are not pictures. Anyways to see the pictures you can extract the APK using winrar, or you can decompile it using APK manager.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Thanks about the winrar tip! I think it would be easier for me to replace the pngs through there than something else. right now i'm looking through my iphone for all pngs,but the problem is that the scan has found over 90 thousand pngs! Its going to take a while to sort that out but when i'm finished I bet its going to be good.

change toggle icon?

hi guys! I'm running uxuma on sgh727, vincom deodex Rom, 23 toggle mod, I'm trying to change the
toggle icons. I replaced the icons in lidroid with apktool, decompile, recompile...
what else do I have to edit to make it work?
when I changed the toggle icons I get systemUI fc and my status bar is gone.
any help, ideas, anything at all...
thank you

nbnion said:
hi guys! I'm running uxuma on sgh727, vincom deodex Rom, 23 toggle mod, I'm trying to change the
toggle icons. I replaced the icons in lidroid with apktool, decompile, recompile...
what else do I have to edit to make it work?
when I changed the toggle icons I get systemUI fc and my status bar is gone.
any help, ideas, anything at all...
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you run the Signing Tool? Been using that program a lot the past few days and that made it work for me.

mrfeuss said:
Did you run the Signing Tool? Been using that program a lot the past few days and that made it work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it's that the name "Signing Tool"? did you use it with lidroid-res?

nbnion said:
no, it's that the name "Signing Tool"? did you use it with lidroid-res?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See attached. I haven't used lidroid, but I tried recompiling apps without hitting the Signing Tool button and they all failed.

mrfeuss said:
See attached. I haven't used lidroid, but I tried recompiling apps without hitting the Signing Tool button and they all failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried it now, still same issue..
im missing some steps in the whole process and im sure its something stupid but...
thank you for your time

nbnion said:
i tried it now, still same issue..
im missing some steps in the whole process and im sure its something stupid but...
thank you for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I could have been more helpful, but I'm pretty new to this whole thing, too.

Unless you're replacing .9.png, you don't have to decompile the framework - just open it with ZIP, navigate to the right drawable folder and drop the new .png-s there.
After you recompile, make sure you take out the AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF folder from the original framework ZIP and push to the new one, overwriting whatever is there.

Jack_R1 said:
Unless you're replacing .9.png, you don't have to decompile the framework - just open it with ZIP, navigate to the right drawable folder and drop the new .png-s there.
After you recompile, make sure you take out the AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF folder from the original framework ZIP and push to the new one, overwriting whatever is there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you!
yes it was a bit confusing, with compiling/decompiling the framework but I got it to work.
do the png have to have the same size? the ones that I want to replace?